Juvenile Institutions Officer

Juvenile Institutions Officer

The Probation Department is accepting applications to fill full-time vacancies for the Juvenile Institutions Officer position at the Juvenile Justice Center, located in Santa Maria, California. We are accepting applications to establish one list that will be used to fill current and future vacancies at that location. Therefore, applicants must be willing to accept an assignment at the Juvenile Justice Center. It is required that you select the "Santa Maria" location on the application to be considered.

Under direction, supervises, controls, guides, routinely counsels and motivates a group of youths and young adults in detention and/or treatment facilities; performs related duties as required. The ideal candidate will possess strong written and verbal communication, reputation for honesty and trustworthiness, excellent command presence, good moral character, credibility, and integrity.

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate how they meet the employment standards. In order to determine if you meet the employment standards you must have the following qualifications: a combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities (some examples of positions with relatable experience include: social workers, case managers, coaches, correctional officers, guidance counselors, behavioral counselors, development advisors, behavioral specialists, resource specialists, programs coordinators, teacher's aides, special education coordinators, camp counselors, youth leaders, psychiatric technicians, teachers, those with military service, and crisis intervention specialists) OR completion of 90 quarter units or 60 semester units of college coursework, including 14 quarter or 9 semester units in sociology, psychology, criminology, or a related field, that would provide the required knowledge and abilities. Note that no degree is required, and job-related experience may be substituted for the required education.

Additional requirements include being at least 21 years of age, meeting minimum peace officer standards, having a valid California Class C Driver License, and successfully completing 40 hours of intense, on-the-job training. Some positions may require a valid California Class B Driver License and mandatory testing for drugs.

Knowledge of standard English grammar, report writing, standard computer applications, and basic math is required. Ability to read and comprehend materials, learn psychological principles and techniques, supervise youths, perceive and resolve tense group situations, make rational decisions, observe and document behavior, enforce rules, communicate effectively, work under pressure, maintain professional ethics, and drive safely and legally is also required.

Bilingual skills in Spanish are desirable. The ability to read, write, and converse fluently in English and Spanish is desirable for some positions. Hiring departments will test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certification or removed from the bilingual employment list.

Incumbents must work in a structured, regimented work environment that includes working shifts, weekends, and holidays. Incumbents must enforce rules while maintaining flexibility, adhere to professional ethics, wear required uniform, stand for extended periods of time, work outdoors in varying climates, and may perform First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Review: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ): Candidates who are qualified will be notified by email to complete and submit a Personal History Questionnaire. Candidates who successfully pass the PHQ will advance to the next step in the selection process. Failure to submit a PHQ by the deadline or not passing the PHQ will result in a disqualification from the recruitment.

Computerized Written Examination: Candidates who passed the PHQ will be notified via email with instructions for taking a computerized examination. Based on the number of candidates who are invited to the exam, the testing format and/or testing dates could be subject to change.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on a Computerized Written Examination to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of six months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates receive written notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list. A "Candidate Orientation Booklet" is available for the multiple-choice portion of the exam. The booklet provides an overview of the exam format and some sample questions. The booklet is not intended to be a study guide but is aimed at reducing test anxiety and giving candidates some information about what to expect on the test.

Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants with disabilities who need accommodation during the application or selection process. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. Verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution, is required.

Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by the Federal Educational Assistance Act. No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability. To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the test date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process. The preference points will be added to your final test score.

All candidates for the job of Juvenile Institutions Officer must successfully complete a background investigation, polygraph examination, psychological examination, medical examination, and submit written documentation of their legal right to work in the United States. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement: The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit-based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long-standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.